Author: Konnected Technology

Meet Hasmukh Barochiya, a seasoned Tech Lead with a decade of experience in computer science. From his early days as a mobile app developer to his current role, Hasmukh thrives on embracing new challenges and bringing innovative ideas to the table. In this interview, he shares insights into his background, the excitement he finds at Konnected, notable projects he’s been involved in, and valuable advice for aspiring engineers looking to follow a similar career path.

1. Can you tell us a bit about your background?

Hi, I’m Hasmukh Barochiya. I completed my Master’s in Computer Science in 2013 and began my career as a mobile app developer. Since then, I’ve steadily progressed, and I’m now a Tech Lead with expertise in top programming languages. With 10 years of experience under my belt, I’m always eager to tackle new challenges and bring fresh ideas to the table. Outside of work, I enjoy exploring new places and cultures, which I believe has helped me develop my communication and adaptability skills.

2. What do you find most exciting or fulfilling about your role and the work you do at Konnected?

Every day at Konnected is a chance to push my boundaries and learn something new. Whether it’s mastering a new API for a cutting-edge project or optimizing existing codebases, the constant learning keeps me energized and engaged. But the most fulfilling part for me is seeing the impact of my work. It’s more than just coding; it’s about building solutions that make a real difference, and that’s what truly fuels my passion.

3. Could you share a notable project or accomplishment that you’ve been involved in?

Two projects stand out in my mind: ‘Marina,’ which saved countless boats by providing real-time tracking and sinking alerts, and ‘Just-in-sequence solution,’ which streamlined manufacturing by replacing a clunky system and automating shipping.

4. In what ways do smart systems help mitigate the risks in manufacturing facilities?

Smart systems in factories can:

• Predict equipment failures: Avoid costly downtime with early warnings of wear and tear.
• Boost safety: Monitor machines, control access, and track environmental conditions for a safer workplace.
• Optimize processes: Real-time data analysis helps find inefficiencies and automate tasks.
• Improve compliance: Data logging and alerts ensure regulatory adherence and avoid penalties.

5. What advice would you give to aspiring engineers who are interested in pursuing a similar career path?

Building on my own experiences and what I shared with my juniors, here are some essential tips for aspiring engineers:

• Don’t take shortcuts. There are no quick fixes in engineering, and true learning comes from tackling challenges head-on.
• Embrace failures as opportunities for growth. Analyze what went wrong, learn from your mistakes, and don’t be afraid to change course. Remember, even the most successful engineers have faced their share of failures.
• Break down big projects into smaller, manageable tasks. This approach not only makes them seem less daunting, but it also allows you to celebrate your progress along the way.
• And remember, engineering is not just about technical skills. Hone your communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities, as they are equally crucial for success in this field.

Join us for an exclusive interview as we delve into the world of engineering excellence at Konnected Technology. We have the privilege of introducing you to Prabjyot Saini, an extraordinary engineer with a wealth of experience in the tech industry spanning over 7 years. From software development to engineering, Prabjyot’s journey is nothing short of remarkable. Prabjyot’s impressive portfolio boasts a diverse range of projects, from agile startups to industry giants, showing his unwavering dedication and unparalleled expertise.

1. Can you tell us a bit about your background?

I have over 7+ years of experience in the tech industry, with a focus on software development and engineering. I have worked on a variety of projects, from small startups to large enterprises, and have built a strong track record of success. I am passionate about using technology to solve real-world problems and make a positive impact on the world.

2. What do you find most exciting or fulfilling about your role and the work you do at Konnected?

I also enjoy the challenge of working on complex technical problems and finding creative solutions. At Konnected, I am developing models that can help businesses automate their workflows, improve their customer service, and make better decisions. It is very fulfilling to see my work having a positive impact on the world.

Additionally, We are a group of passionate and talented individuals who are committed to building the best possible products and services for our customers. It is an incredibly rewarding experience to work with such a dedicated and talented team.

3. Could you share a notable project or accomplishment that you’ve been involved in?

One important project I worked on at Konnected was the development of a sequencing model for the automotive industry. This controls the operator to use the terms Just-In-Time and Just-In-Sequence. I was in charge of controlling the software platform’s development. Working with a team of engineers to design and implement the platform’s essential functionality, configuration, and control. This model has assisted Konnected in increasing customer satisfaction while also offering upcoming opportunities.

4. What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced so far in your career?

The biggest challenge that I have faced so far in my career is the challenge of keeping up with the rapid pace of change in the tech industry. New technologies and trends are emerging all the time, and it can be difficult to stay ahead of the curve. However, I have learned that the best way to meet this challenge is to be constantly learning and growing. I am always looking for new opportunities to learn new skills and technologies. I also make a point of staying up-to-date on the latest trends in the tech industry.

5. How do you see your specialized role evolving in the future, and what impact do you hope to make?

I believe that my specialized role in software development will continue to evolve rapidly in the future. As technology continues to advance, we will see new and innovative ways to use software to solve real-world challenges.

I am particularly excited about the future of artificial intelligence and machine learning. I believe that these technologies have the potential to revolutionize the way we live and work. I am eager to be a part of this revolution and to use my skills to develop innovative software solutions that leverage AI and ML.

In addition to the above, I would like to add that I am particularly interested in the challenges and opportunities that AI presents in the context of Konnected’s business. I believe that AI has the potential to help Konnected automate its workflows, improve its customer service, and make better decisions about product development and marketing. I am thrilled to collaborate with the Konnected team to create and execute AI solutions that will assist the company in meeting its objectives.

Danon Neves has played a pivotal role for the past five years at Konnected Technology. His journey at the company has seen him take on various roles, from being the main point of contact to leading tech support and ultimately becoming a project manager for their critical IS projects, serving one of Konnected’s major clients in the United States. Read more to learn more about Danon Neves journey as an engineer.

1. Can you tell us a bit about your background?

 I actually started out as an electrician at 19 and did that for about 6 years. After that I did a little bit of low voltage fire alarm installation. After a couple years of that I got into the tech side of things working for a wireless communication company. WIth that company I did a little bit of work on the WISP (Wireless Internet Service Provider) side of things but my main focus was being their lead tower technician. I was the lead installer for all of their wireless tower jobs that were in-house for the WISP side of the business or that were contract jobs for companies that did not have their own tower climbers. With them I would also run the jobs installing remote camera systems for companies and ranches that did not have a conventional way to get them installed. These were usually run off of solar systems in very remote locations.  As well as that we would install WiFi systems for companies with remote locations for their employees. From there I went into tech support at a hospital in Montana. I started out as a telecommunication tech then pretty quickly moved up to being one of the lead Desktop Support Analysts. Once they opened a 2nd emergency access hospital I was the lead support onsite there and back at the main hospital till I came back home to Texas. Once I was back in Texas for about 6 months is when I came on with Konnected Technology and have been with them for about 5 years now. Since being here I have been the main point of contact, tech support lead, and now project manager on all of their IS projects for one of Konnected’s largest customers in the US. 

2. What do you find most exciting or fulfilling about your role and the work you do at Konnected?

One of the things I like most about the work I do is being able to take a customer’s needs and being able to help them turn it into a usable system to meet their needs. After getting with a customer, determining their needs, and then being able to work with our team at Konnected it is great to see when the customer is happy with the end product that we deliver. 

3. Could you share a notable project or accomplishment that you’ve been involved in?

One of the bigger projects that I have been a part of is the Sequencing system that was developed for a manufacturing company we are involved with. This system is a custom system that was put in to replace an existing system they were very unhappy with. Once we put our system in place not only were they extremely happy with the product. After that they invited the president of one of their biggest customers and I was called by our customer to let me know how happy and impressed everyone one was by the system we implemented. That was a very good call to receive. 

4. In what ways do smart systems help mitigate the risks in manufacturing facilities?

They help to take the guesswork away from the human side of the work. Once implemented properly a smart system does most if not all of the complicated decision making. With this not only does it mitigate the risks but speeds up manufacturing and increases quality of the product. 

5. What advice would you give to aspiring engineers who are interested in pursuing a similar career path?

Keep doing what interests you. The more you are interested in what you are actually doing the better the results will be and the more you will learn for anything you need in the future.

Meet Cameron Speirs, an engineer at Konnected Technology, whose expertise and commitment to innovation have been instrumental in shaping the company’s cutting-edge solutions. Let’s dive into a conversation with Cameron to learn more about his journey and insights into the world of technology.

1. Tell us about yourself

My Name is Cameron Speirs, and I’m one of the engineers at Konnected Technology. I recently graduated with a degree in Chemical Engineering, but I have been working at Konnected for the last 4 years through internships. In my spare time I like to go out and explore the Canadian west coast through hiking, camping, and fishing.

2. What motivated or inspired you to become an engineer?

I decided I wanted to become an engineer at a young age because I had a fascination about how everyday items that most people take for granted, like a simple ball point pen, were invented, perfected, and manufactured; I think the “How It’s Made” TV series on the discovery channel is largely responsible for that. As I got older, I became increasingly passionate about science and math, as well as thinking about how the concepts I was learning could be applied to solve a real problem.

3. What achievements or projects are you most proud of while working with Konnected technology?

I’m proud of all the projects I work on at Konnected Technology, but if I had to pick one, it would have to be the Conveyor Volume Tracking – one of the first projects I worked on as an intern at Konnected. In that project we used LiDAR technology as well as PLC integration to measure the volume running on conveyors with very high accuracy, as a continuation we also made a 3D version of our scanner to be able to scan large rooms very accurately.

4. How do you see your specialized role evolving in the future, and what impact do you hope to make?

Coming from a University that is well known for research, I was exposed to cutting-edge technology all the time, when I look at the infrastructure that exists in most manufacturing facilities it seems outdated, mismatched, and disorganized. You have machines from 10 different companies that were made from the 1960s to the present, all sitting side by side; something I did not expect when I started working in the industry. At Konnected our whole team is dedicated to bridging the gap between what we are capable of and the manufacturing industry norms; going into the future I see our role evolving to adapt the new technological environment to existing infrastructure.

5. How do you stay updated on industry trends and continuously improve your skills?

To stay updated on industry trends and enhance my engineering skills, I engage in a variety of strategies. Firstly, I try to collaborate on projects with other professionals who are experts in their fields. The shoulder rubbing from collaboration is a great way to receive real-time insights. Additionally, I prioritize experimentation and innovation by taking on personal projects that allow me to explore new tools and methodologies. These hands-on experiences complement my theoretical learning and foster a deeper understanding of emerging technologies. Through these combined efforts, I maintain a competitive edge in the ever-evolving engineering landscape.

At Konnected, our mission is two-fold. Firstly, we strive to elevate industry standards and bring about a modernization of technology expectations and systems. Secondly, on a personal level, we are driven by the mission to work on projects that ignite our passion rather than simply pursuing projects for financial reasons. We firmly believe that implementing smart systems not only enhances the efficiency of manufacturing industry employees and professionals but also contributes to a healthier work-life balance for them.

Tell us about yourself?

With a long history in manufacturing engineering and management, we know the struggles of finding SAS solutions that work not only for an individual process but also provide useful information about your entire facility. Our motivation for entering this field was to address the prevalent issues that traditional solutions tend to overlook, leaving behind a significant 20 to 30 per cent gap. We recognized that these solutions often fall short, only resolving around 70 per cent of the problem, resulting in wasted time, money, and resources that frequently go unused.

If you could go back in time a year or two, what piece of advice would you give yourself?

George Speirs – If I were to offer advice to my past self, it would be to keep going, as things have a way of working themselves out. Solutions often arise, even when we momentarily forget that fact.

What problem does your business solve?

Cameron Speirs – While many manufacturers possess smart machines, it’s crucial to differentiate between having smart components and operating a truly smart factory with efficient processes. Merely having intelligent machinery doesn’t guarantee seamless communication between them. Sadly, the industry’s prevailing norm is a lack of coordination among assembly products, which leads to substantial underutilization of smart technology by approximately 90 per of the workforce. Our goal is to simplify the manufacturing experience, enabling anyone to come to work, perform their tasks, and accurately predict the outcomes.

What is the inspiration behind your business?

Cameron Speirs and George Speirs – A significant source of inspiration for us stems from the manufacturing industry and the realization that there are numerous challenges related to tracking and monitoring. We observed that existing solutions only addressed around 70 per cent of these issues, and the addition of multiple systems further rendered the situation unsustainable. This drove us to leverage our knowledge and expertise to build better, more comprehensive systems that address the complete spectrum of challenges. Additionally, we were pleasantly surprised by the advanced level of technology observed in high-tech companies. We initially expected a considerable time lag or a 10-year gap between cutting-edge technologies in universities and their practical application. However, we discovered that many partnerships showcased technologies that were already 30 years old. This realization motivated us to push boundaries and introduce truly innovative solutions in the industry.

What is your magic sauce?

Cameron Speirs and George Speirs – In a broader sense, we didn’t feel constrained by the typical mould of a solution, as seen in larger corporations. Our unique approach blends elements of Software as a Service (SaaS) but with a distinct elevation. Unlike off-the-shelf solutions, our offerings are highly tailored to each client’s specific needs. While our core definition aligns with SaaS, our solutions go beyond by leveraging our extensive industry insights gained from years of hands-on experience. We want to emphasize to our future clients that while superficially similar, not all solutions are equally valuable. A solution that is only 70 or 80 per cent useful falls short of being truly effective. Our unwavering commitment to perfection, coupled with our practical manufacturing expertise, focuses on closing that crucial 20 or 30 percent gap, resulting in remarkable outcomes for our clients. Whether it’s enhancing safety protocols, maximizing workforce efficiency, or accurately predicting outcomes, we strive to deliver unparalleled value.

What is the plan for the next 5 years? What do you want to achieve?

George Speirs – Our vision is for the modules we have developed, encompassing the most essential solutions in smart manufacturing, to gain widespread recognition and adoption among clients worldwide. Additionally, we aim to collaborate closely with our clients to tailor the remaining 20 per cent of their business requirements, ensuring a customized fit that aligns perfectly with their unique circumstances.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced so far?

The biggest challenge in creating essential solutions for smart manufacturing is dealing with the complexity and diversity of manufacturing processes. Each industry and business has its own unique requirements, workflows, and technologies, making it tricky to pinpoint the most crucial pain points and come up with effective solutions. Plus, keeping up with the ever-evolving technologies and industry trends adds another layer of challenge. To tackle these hurdles, we collaborate closely with manufacturing experts, conduct thorough research, and gather feedback from end-users. It’s all about gaining a deep understanding of the manufacturing landscape and staying flexible in our solution designs. By leveraging data-driven insights, using agile development methodologies, and constantly iterating based on user feedback, we can overcome these challenges and create great solutions for smart manufacturing.

How can people get involved?

Cameron Speirs and George Speirs – We are actively seeking clients with distinctive smart manufacturing projects. If you have such a project, we encourage you to reach out to us directly. Moreover, we are also interested in engaging with clients from different industries who are keen to explore a demo and witness firsthand how our solution can address challenges across various sectors. You can email us at George@konnectedtechnology.com.

In this inspiring interview, we sit down with Sneha Jatakiya, talented software developer and engineering enthusiast. With a Master’s degree in Computer Application from R K University and over 7 years of experience in the Software Industry, Sneha has proven herself as a dynamic leader and a problem solver

1. Tell us about yourself
   My name is Sneha Jatakiya. I  graduated with a degree in Master Of Computer Application from R K University I have 7 years of experience working in the Software Industry. I successfully lead a team of 12 people and played a key role in implementing software applications for the automobile industry. This experience allowed me to develop a strong skill set and a deep understanding of the automobile industry.
2. What motivated or inspired you to become a software developer?
   I became a software developer because I love solving problems with technology. Ever since I was young, I enjoyed puzzles and figuring out how things work. When I discovered software development, I realized that coding is like solving puzzles on a whole new level. It fascinated me how I could use my creativity and logical thinking to write code and build applications that can make a real difference in people’s lives. What also motivated me was seeing the impact of technology in our world. Technology has become an integral part of our lives, and I wanted to be part of the innovation and progress. From mobile apps to web development, the possibilities seemed endless. The idea that I could create something useful, intuitive, or even fun with lines of code excited me.
3. If you had the opportunity to travel back in time, what advice would you give to your past self?
   If I had the chance to travel back in time and offer advice to my past self, there are a few key pieces of wisdom I would share. Firstly, I would encourage myself to embrace failure and view it as a valuable learning experience. In the past, I often placed too much emphasis on achieving perfection and was hesitant to take risks. I would advise myself to step out of my comfort zone, be open to making mistakes, and see them as stepping stones toward growth and improvement.
   
   Secondly, I would emphasize the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance. In my earlier years, I often found myself overly consumed by work, hobbies, and self-care. I would remind myself to prioritize self-care, allocate time for activities I enjoy, and nurture meaningful connections with family and friends. Finding that balance is vital for overall well-being and long-term success.
   Another crucial piece of advice I would offer is to embrace continuous learning and development. In the past, there were times when I felt complacent or settled into a comfort zone. I would remind myself to seek out new knowledge, expand my skill set, and stay curious about emerging trends and technologies. Lifelong learning is essential for staying relevant and adaptable in an ever-changing world.
   
   Lastly, I would encourage my past self to trust the journey and be patient. There were instances when I became discouraged by setbacks or impatient for immediate results. I would remind myself that success is not always linear, and there will be ups and downs along the way. Embracing perseverance, resilience, and having faith in the process can lead to valuable experiences and eventual achievements.
4. What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced so far in your career?
   One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced in my career was after the Covid when there is a boom in the software industry. At that time people are continually changing Jobs and also we saw that people are demanding new software development to smoothly work around the situations. During this period of time, my company put faith in me and my capabilities and assign me one totally new assignment within a small period of timeline. The team which is allocated to me is working remotely and there is a couple of new members working on it. The challenge stemmed from several factors that tested my problem-solving abilities, adaptability, and leadership skills. Along with that, for me to understand each team member’s nature and each team member’s expertise, and priorities, and aligning everyone towards a common goal required effective communication, conflict resolution, and consensus-building. Ensuring that everyone was on the same page and working collaboratively was crucial to the success of the project.
5. If you were to share a single valuable tip for women aspiring to pursue engineering, what would it be?
   If I were to share a single valuable tip for women aspiring to pursue engineering, it would be to believe in yourself and your abilities. Throughout your journey in engineering, you may encounter moments of self-doubt or face societal stereotypes and biases. But remember that you are just as capable, talented, and deserving of success as anyone else.